Do DJs Go Clubbing When They're Off the Clock?

We sat down with DJ Kim Ann Foxman during Sweden's "Into The Valley" music festival to pick her brain on Swedish food, going out when she doesn't have a gig, and what it’s like to play records for a living

“That was so good!” Kim Ann Foxman beams as she finishes her meal backstage. Kim has no idea what she was eating before this particular show at Sweden's premier Into The Valley music festival, "but it was really good."

Kim Ann radiates positive energy – and with good reason. She recently started her own New York-based record label entitled Firehouse Recordings. She's toured her energetic-yet-thoughtful house sound across the world with a slew of well-received releases under her belt. And, Kim Ann manages to be among the most stylish on the international DJ-circuit.

Before witnessing her lay down a blistering set in front of an ecstatic Swedish crowd, we sat down with the ever-so-friendly Kim Ann to pick her brain on Swedish food, going out in her off-hours, and what it’s like to play records for a living.

Kim Ann, is this your first time playing in Sweden?__
I have played in Sweden before. Several times actually! Usually I play in Stockholm. I really like it there—always a cool crowd. The city has a cool scene, good music, good… looking people. Very fashionable!

How does the Swedish crowd feel compared to other crowds internationally?
They feel knowledgeable. Very into the music. But I really don’t feel too much of a difference any more. I do think that everyone in Sweden is very aware of the music, probably because of the Internet. But I feel like most places I play I find a cool crowd!

You live in New York. Do you still find the time to go out clubbing in your own city?
Yeah, I live in Brooklyn! You know, I don’t really go out too much anymore! Haha! I’m really only there Monday to Thursday because of touring, and during that time I just want to do stuff that has nothing to do with music. I just bounce around the city, meet up with friends, and eat a lot! When I go traveling I miss my food, so when I’m home I go out to eat and cook with friends at home.

In your experience, what are the best and worst things about Sweden?
Hmm… The best thing is that it’s fucking beautiful! And really cool! It’s so chic! Worst thing, I guess there is a sort of stereotype about the Swedes—that it’s a little bit difficult to get them excited. I personally haven’t found that while playing records, but I performed here live with a band once—and maybe we just sucked—but it was really hard to get the crowd excited. I couldn’t tell if they were having fun because they were just staring, but at the same it was raining and they all stayed. So they must have liked it, but they didn’t really show it. That can be tough while performing!

What’s your take on Swedish food?
I have had Swedish meatballs—many times—and I love them! If they’re on a menu, I’ll order them! Overall there are definitely a lot of great restaurants in Sweden. I’ve always been impressed with the food.

Is it very different performing at a festival versus performing in a club? Which setting do you prefer?
Yeah, it can be very different. There are definitely festivals that I really enjoy, and this one, Into the Valley, looks magical, which makes me excited about it. Normally I prefer clubs, but there are always exceptions. I played b2b with Heidi at Exit Festival (in Croatia), and our time slot happened to be right as the sun was rising, with an amazing crowd—it was just really great!

Are you as excited now about playing records as you were when you were first starting out?
Sometimes! Haha! There are certain gigs that I always look forward to, like Panorama Bar in Berlin. That’s always special. Sometimes gigs can be so random though. You barely look ahead of time where you’re going, and there’s no way of knowing if the gig is going to be good before you get there. Sometimes it’s great, and sometimes it’s not so great, and that makes it tough to get excited before you get there. It’s amazing to see your career growing, though, since you start looking forward to gigs because you’re constantly reaching places and people that you haven’t reached before.

What goals do you have for the future?
My goal is to keep making music. I want to keep doing that until I don’t enjoy it anymore, or until I get burnt out from traveling. But I’m really enjoying it right now. I don’t ever want to limit myself, though; I am working on a band project at the moment. I’m also working on my own jams—stuff that I would actually DJ out. Before I was making stuff that I was enjoying making, but it’s not stuff that I can slam in the middle of my DJ sets!